BIG BEATS is a 15-minute, free, outdoor dance performance, choreographed by Joanna Kotze with an original sound score created and performed live by composer/musician Ryan Seaton.

Danced to a driving sonic rhythm, BIG BEATS is the force of a group of performers doing complex, synchronized movement in a public space. This complicated, rigorous dance can be viewed from anywhere. It is an invitation to stop and watch a group of people working together, dancing together, being together. It is also a chance to let the beat get into your own body, joining us.

BIG BEATS premiered in September 2021 on Pier I in New York City. Since then, it has been set on students at The University of North Caroline Greensboro, The Ailey School, University of the Arts, and Bates Dance Festival, and on professional dancers in North Carolina for performances presented by the American Dance Festival and a mix of professional dancers and students in Utah presented by UtahPresents and the University of Utah. As of now, 106 people know BIG BEATS!
Scroll down for videos, photos, cast lists, and more information about each iteration.

BIG BEATS: New York City (2021)

BIG BEATS: Utah (2023)

BIG BEATS: North Carolina (2022)

BIG BEATS: Bates Dance Festival (2022)

BIG BEATS: Ailey (2022)

BIG BEATS: UArts (2022)

BIG BEATS: UNCG (2026) coming soon!